Posted on 05/07/2023 7:29:41 PM PDT by ConservativeMind
There's no question that watermelon is both delicious and nutritious, but new research underscores this nutrient-rich fruit's contributions to overall diet quality and heart health.
A study suggests watermelon can increase nutrient intake and overall diet quality in both children and adults. The study analyzed National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data and found that total diet quality was higher in watermelon consumers as compared to non-consumers.
According to the study, children and adult watermelon consumers had higher intakes of dietary fiber, magnesium, potassium, vitamin C and vitamin A as well as lycopene and other carotenoids, while they had lower intakes of added sugars and total saturated fatty acids.
Another new study builds on previous work in this area of research to show that watermelon juice supplementation protects vascular function during hyperglycemia.
This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial to test the effects of 2 weeks of daily watermelon juice supplementation, specifically looked at the potential beneficial modulating effects of L-citrulline and L-arginine—two compounds found in watermelon—on nitric oxide bioavailability and heart rate variability.
"We acknowledge that while the sample size was small (18 healthy young men and women) and more research is needed, this study adds to the current body of evidence supporting regular intake of watermelon for cardio-metabolic health. In addition to L-citrulline and L-arginine, watermelon is a rich source of antioxidants, vitamin C and lycopene—all of which can help reduce oxidative stress and play a role in heart disease prevention," said Dr. Jack Losso, Ph.D.
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) recommend 1.5 to 2.5 cups of fruit daily. Watermelon is a nutrient-rich fruit and an excellent source of Vitamin C (25% DV), a source of Vitamin B6 (8% DV), and a delicious way to stay hydrated (92% water), with only 80 calories per 2-cup serving.
(Excerpt) Read more at medicalxpress.com ...
People should get on the keto diet.
On all the internet, FreeeRepublic probably has the highest percentage of users who remember when every watermelon had seeds.
Sadly, very sadly, I am wildly allergic to watermelon, even watermelon essence. I LOVED watermelon before I became allergic to it. I miss it very much, but can’t partake of that anymore. Nor cantaloupe or honeydew. It’s a great sadness for me, but self-preservation is more important.
I admit to enjoy dining on a keto as much as the next person but this is unsustainable. The world only has so many ketos in the wild. I’ve seen the keto farms and how they treated in their cramped cages. It’s enough to turn a person off completely. We can’t all eat ketos or they will go extinct. The article is about watermelon. Watermelon and beer are both full of vitamin P. If you eat and drink enough you will know what I’m talking about.
I love watermelons. But I’m also pre-diabetic (right on the edge). And watermelon has a high glycemic index. Moderation in all things, I guess.
My problem is that I’m never moderate. So I guess I’d better avoid watermelons, and stick to chewing cardboard.
Oh my goodness! My lucky day! Love, love, love p*** chunk.
In the summer, since my husband does not want to bother cutting pieces from the melon, I usually end up eating them myself. I cannot wait until they are in the markets!
Isn’t this racist?
Gives me the trots. No thanks.
It is called JunglePlum in certain cultures.
I smile every time I hear it.
LOL.
I don't know about you, but I'm offended.
I loves me some Georgia Ham!
Anyone been to Sandtown, Indiana? Best watermelons in the world!
Yes, very sad for you. I don’t eat watermelon because I don’t particularly enjoy it. Nice at a big family picnic but otherwise, watermelon never crosses my mind. You have many alternatives too.
Watermelon is a gift from God, given first to Africans.
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